Legislative redistricting is a process undertaken, usually as a response to a national census, to redraw electoral districts to reflect changes in population growth patterns. In Virginia, this responsibility is designated by statute to the legislature, and historically has been completed by the political party in power. Not unlike states with similar systems, this process has led to increased gerrymandering, and has allowed political parties to increase their majorities effectively limiting competition - the foundation of a healthy functioning democracy - and caused partisan gridlock. The Wason Center for Public Policy and the Public Mapping Project sponsored the Virginia College and University Legislative Redistricting Competition to help educate students and the public about the process of redistricting.